Despite all the obstacles, the three-day rodeo continues to attract top-ranked cowboys and cowgirls from around the world, as well as hundreds of spectators. This year's event is scheduled to begin March 8.

The rodeo is a natural fund-raiser for the ranch, since horses are a big part of life for the boys, said Tom Manning, executive director of the boys ranch, a group home for abused, neglected and abandoned boys. And what better place to hold the rodeo than at the 3,000-seat arena at the boys ranch, which overlooks the Ocala National Forest.

Rain or shine, rodeo fans can catch it all - from bronc and bull riding to steer wrestling to barrel racing.

Participants compete for big prize money as well as for points for the National Finals Rodeo. The amount of prize money is determined by the number of entrants in each event.

The cowboys and cowgirls won't be the only ones who profit from the rodeo. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lake County Boys Ranch. Organizers hope to raise about $20,000 from the rodeo, which is their major fund-raiser, said K.J. Ferme, a spokeswoman for the boys ranch.

The ranch, which receives some money from the state Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services, relies mostly on corporate and private donations from the community, including rodeo proceeds.

The Lake County Boys Ranch was founded in 1968 and serves more than 300 children and families throughout the state yearly. The nonprofit organization provides emergency shelter, residential care, foster homes and educational and therapeutic services.

More than 200 competitors usually sign up for several featured events, including calf roping and saddle bronc riding. The following seasoned cowboys are scheduled to compete at the rodeo: Guy Allen, a 10-time world steer roper champion from Lovington, N.M.; Fred Whitfield, a two-time world champion calf roper from Hockley, Texas; and Dan Mortensen, a three-time world saddle bronc champion from Manhattan, Mont.

The event is recognized by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association.

Performances are scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 8-9 and 2 p.m. on March 10.

The Lake County Boys Ranch is eight miles north of Eustis, off State Road 19.

Tickets are $8 per person and children age 12 and under are free with each paying adult. Tickets can be purchased at the gate the day of the event for $10.

Tickets will be available at the following locations beginning Monday: all branch offices of United Southern Bank; all branch offices of Barnett Bank; A-Round Travel, 811 S. Bay St., Eustis; Dan's Discount Feed Store, 449 N. Central Ave., Umatilla; Old Crow Bar-B-Q, 41100 State Road 19, Umatilla; Hilltop Plaza on State Road 19, north of Umatilla; and Albertson's Food Store in Mount Dora.